Harry had his engine running. Aaron heard the familiar rumble before he turned the corner and saw his car. He was parked facing Aaron’s way, and Aaron’s steps faltered when he saw who was in the passenger seat.
Michael.
Of course he’d met back up with Harry.
Heat unfurled in his belly, a low growl creeping out before Aaron could stop it. Fuck, he needed to be better than this. Glancing over his shoulder to check he was still alone, he felt for the cuts and bruises on his face.
Still there.
Good.
He couldn’t afford to lose control like he had in the bathroom.
When he reached the car, he slipped into the back seat and was met with Harry’s raised eyebrow and a pointed look between him and Michael.
Shit.
He probably heard him growl, and he’d definitely smell sex.
On both of them.
He’d have smelt it on Michael as soon as he met up with him. Aaron wondered if Harry had said anything to him. He didn’t think so. Michael seemed unconcerned by their silent stare-off—eyes glued to his phone. Aaron gave a quick shake of his head, hoping Harry got the message. They could talk about this later.
Much later if Aaron had his way.
“What’s the plan?” he asked, sitting back in his seat, managing to give Michael’s shoulder a quick squeeze as he did. Whatever that was back there, Aaron wanted to keep that connection if he could. Maybe Michael wouldn’t stick to his rules now they’d already broken them.
Starting the car, Harry said over his shoulder, “Change of plan. We’re meeting back at Sam’s flat. He and Isaac’ll be waiting there for us.”
Fucking wonderful.
Would his alpha be disappointed in him for getting involved with a member of the SCTF? He could explain that it was the only option they were left with under the circumstances, but Sam wasn’t stupid. And Aaron refused to lie to him anymore.
“Frank’s on his way too,” Michael added.
Great. The whole crew.
Although at least Frank wouldn’t be able to smell what they’d been up to. He might be able to tell in other ways, though. Aaron had no idea how long he and Michael had been partners. Maybe he’d take one look at him and justknow.
When Michael turned in his seat to face him, expression all business except for the warmth in his eyes, Aaron forgot about everything else going on around them. Whatever would happen would happen, regardless of how much he stressed over it. He couldn’t change what they’d done, and he wouldn’t even if he could. “He said he’s got an update from Alpha Wallace.”
Aaron smiled. “Let’s hope it’s something useful.”
“I won’t hold my breath with the way this case has gone so far.” He ran a hand through his hair, fingers splayed, and Aaron couldn’t help but remember them fisted in his own hair. “I want to ask you how it went with Smith, but I guess we should save that discussion until everyone’s there. No point telling it twice.”
Letting his head fall against the headrest, Aaron sighed. “It wasn’t as enlightening as we’d hoped. But yeah, I guess we should wait until we get to the flat.”
No one said anything else for the remainder of the drive home, but surprisingly, considering everything that had happened that night, the atmosphere was more relaxed than uncomfortable. Maybe the others felt like he did—just fucking glad to be out of there.
Harry pulled up outside their building at the same time as Frank was getting out of his car. He nodded a greeting and walked straight over to them.
“How did it go?” He directed his question to Michael, who shrugged, but Aaron caught the faint blush to his cheeks.
“Nothing much to report,” Michael said. “It was too loud in there to hear specific conversations, but we can discuss it inside.”
Aaron led the way. He wanted to talk to Michael on his own, wanted to get him alone, but that wasn’t happening any time soon. Maybe afterwards he could invite him back to his flat just to talk.
As a member of the SCTF, Michael should know enough about shifters to realise what they’d done in the bathroom would have a profound effect on Aaron. Aaron just hoped he cared enough to want to discuss it. Michael liked him. Even if he hadn’t already said as much, instinct told him, and it had never let him down yet.
